FISHING TOUR

WATER IS LIFE

Learn cultural teachings surrounding the significance of water-systems and water-life, observe fishing techniques and try your hand at a cast!

Proper cultural protocols for releasing fish back into the Humber Watershed will also be shared.

HIGHLIGHTS

(Click to expand)

+ INDIGENOUS CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Participants will make their way to the Gathering Spot where a traditional sharing circle will be opened with introductions and a smudging ceremony.

Focused teachings will be shared at this time surrounding:

• Recognizing Water as the most important life-giver
• Respect for all water life (including mineral, plant and animal life)
• Respect for fish as life sustainers and their importance to traditional Indigenous lifestyles
• Proper cultural protocols for keeping fish caught and catch-and-release techniques

Participants will be encouraged to immerse themselves in this cultural exchange.

Any questions, comments and/or personal experiences are encouraged to be shared during our sharing circle.

+ FISHING OBSERVATION

Participants will enjoy observing our Nature Guide’s fishing techniques along the Humber River Watershed, and will also learn about significant natural areas and wildlife along the way!

Participants will also be encouraged to take a cast into the river and try their hand at reeling in any fish caught by our Nature Guide.

Any fish caught will be handled with proper cultural protocols for catch-and-release

Key points of observation will be:

• Local water-systems and their corresponding water-life
• Local fish species and their seasonal lifestyles
• Geographic details of the Humber River Watershed

This is the perfect time to take photographs, meet your tour-mates and your Nature Guide one-on-one!

Time to reflect on the significance of teachings will be given during the Fishing Observation, while participants explore the natural beauty of Toronto.

+ TEAM BUILDING

Our Fishing Tours can be utilized to encourage team building in participants from all backgrounds (including Corporate clients) on a holistic scale - including:

EMOTIONAL - Participants are encouraged to support one another and share personally during our Sharing Circle activity

SPIRITUAL - Cultural teachings reflected on Aboriginal spirituality allow participants to reflect on their own beliefs in a safe space

PHYSICAL - Outdoor exploration during guided Fishing Observation activity is paced so that all participants are supported and involved

MENTAL - We encourage participants to group together for optimum plant/water/animal-life and geographic identification during guided Fishing Observation activity

THIS EXCURSION WILL ALLOW PARTICIPANTS TO:
· Gain an appreciation for Aboriginal culture and its relevance to present-day culture
· Gain an appreciation for nature and the environment - from an Aboriginal perspective
· Utilize this opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth and team building

+ CODE OF CONDUCT

Here at Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours, we ask that all be respectfully aware of their interaction with creation while on a Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tour.

LOVE - Understand that all creation has a place.

RESPECT - Act in a manner that confirms your understanding that all creation has a place (love).

HUMILITY - Understand that you are of equal value to all other forms of creation - from the smallest to the biggest
BRAVERY - Face all conflict (with others and yourself) with love and humility.

WISDOM - Put your understanding to the test - until you both know (understand) and feel (experience) its truth.

TRUTH - Accept the validity of all experiences that occur.

HONESTY - Understand your own truth (how you think and feel about the validity of your experiences) and seek not to hide - but honor your reality.

And lastly POSITIVITY - Allow the serenity of nature to envelope you.

Please bring a smile, a positive attitude and have fun!

Going on the Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tour with Alan Colley was an amazing learning experience. The location was the Humber River - and from this trip I was able to learn about the history of the river, its relationship with everything, and it made me think about how it can be applied to my everyday life.”